The “Other” Treatments for T1D

Instructor:
Alicia Downs, RN, MSN, CDCES
Insulin is not the only medical treatment for type-1 diabetes. With a multitude of hormonal and physiological factors affecting glucose levels, there are several types of medications that can be used to supplement insulin. Some of these ancillary treatments, such as pramlintide, are approved for use by people with type-1 diabetes. Others are intended for those with Type-2 diabetes, but can be prescribed “off-label” for people with Type-1. In addition to helping stabilize blood glucose levels, a number of these medications offer side-benefits such as weight loss, cardiovascular risk reduction, and prevention of some diabetes complications. This session covers the mechanism of action of these medications, along with benefits and side-effects so that you can make an educated decision about what might work for you.
Specific topics include:
- Amylin replacement therapy
- Metformin
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- SGLT-2 inhibitors
- Statins & ace inhibitors
- Discussing off-label meds with your prescriber
- Overcoming challenges to insurance coverage
- Over-the-counter options